Beals Family Genealogy & History

Jennifer Beals, born December 19, 1963, is a renowned American actress celebrated for her role as Alexandra Owens in the iconic film Flashdance (1983), earning her a Golden Globe nomination and an NAACP Image Award. Her diverse filmography includes standout performances in Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), The Book of Eli (2010), and Luckiest Girl Alive (2022). On television, Beals is best known for her portrayal of Bette Porter in Showtime's The L Word and its sequel, The L Word: Generation Q, where she also served as an executive producer. Her work has made significant contributions to both film and television, cementing her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

Jennifer Beals was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago to Jeanne, an elementary school teacher of Irish-American descent, and Alfred Beals, an African-American grocery store owner. She has two brothers, Bobby and Gregory. After her father's death when she was nine, her mother remarried Edward Cohen in 1981. Beals often speaks of how her biracial heritage influenced her upbringing, contributing to her unique perspective and resilience in the entertainment industry.

Melba Pattillo Beals is a renowned American journalist and educator, best known for her pivotal role as a member of the Little Rock Nine. This group of black students courageously integrated Little Rock Central High School, a landmark event in the American Civil Rights Movement. Beals is the author of the bestselling memoir "Warriors Don't Cry," chronicling her experiences during the crisis. Her distinguished career includes receiving the Spingarn Medal and the Congressional Gold Medal. She has also taught journalism at Dominican University of California and actively contributes to Arukah Animal International, an organization focused on ending animal exploitation.

Melba Pattillo Beals was born into a family that highly valued education. Her mother, Lois Marie Pattillo, was a trailblazing educator and one of the first black graduates of the University of Arkansas. Her father, Howell Pattillo, worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Her brother, Conrad S. Pattillo, served as U.S. Marshal of the Eastern District of Arkansas during the Clinton administration, indicating a family deeply embedded in public service and education.

Dick Beals was a renowned American actor and radio performer, celebrated for his extensive voice acting career that spanned over five decades. Known for voicing "Speedy Alka-Seltzer," he also lent his voice to characters in "The Jetsons," "Davey and Goliath," and "Richie Rich." Beals began his career in the 1950s and became a staple in commercials and animated series, providing voices for iconic characters like Andy Panda and Oswald The Lucky Rabbit. His work with Warner Bros. Cartoons and Hanna-Barbera further solidified his status in the industry. Beals' unique voice made him a notable figure in the world of animation and advertising, contributing to over 225 commercials for Alka-Seltzer alone.

Gary Beals, born on October 25, 1982, is a Canadian singer celebrated for his success as the runner-up in the first season of Canadian Idol. A resident of Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, Beals gained recognition for his debut album, Gary Beals, which reached Number 10 on the Canadian album charts and sold 110,000 copies. His subsequent albums include The Rebirth Of... (2009) and Bleed My Truth (2020), showcasing his evolving artistry. Notably, his single "Me For Me" emphasizes vulnerability and honest communication. In 2003, Halifax honored him as the "Best Halifamous Person" and dedicated November 22 as "Gary Beals Day."